The Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) encourages refugee claimants to cross the border unsafely and irregularly, putting lives at risk. With the arrival of winter, it’s important to take action now.
The STCA requires that refugee claimants who arrive in Canada or the US request protection in the first country in which they arrive. However, it does not bar refugee claimants from seeking protection in Canada if they do not enter Canada at an official border crossing.
In response to the harsh, xenophobic immigration polices of President Donald Trump’s administration, many refugee claimants have turned to Canada for protection. Because they would be sent back to the United States if they make a claim for refugee protection at an official border crossing, many have resorted to crossing the border between official border posts. During the winter months, this is particularly dangerous: people have had amputations due to frostbite, and at least one woman believed to have been attempting to cross the border has died.
Amnesty International, along with the Canadian Council for Refugees and the Canadian Council for Churches, is challenging the STCA in Federal Court. We need you to help us call on Canada to end the STCA in the lead-up to the hearing this November.
1) HEAR THEIR VOICES
Hear the moving testimony of Seidu Mohammed, who lost all his fingers to frostbite after crossing the border irregularly in order to claim protection in Canada, and listen to the story of Mohammad Amin Sadiqi, who crossed irregularly from the US into Canada.
Watch Seidu’s testimony here (start at 15:20 minute marker)
Listen to an interview with Mohammad here
2) LEARN MORE
Want to know more about the STCA?
Read our open letter to Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen
3) SIGN THE E-ACTION
>>> Sign our e-Action calling on Canada to Rescind the STCA
4) COLLECT SIGNATURES FOR THE PETITION
Attending a community event or attending a gathering with family and friends? Collect signatures for our petition calling on Canada to suspend the STCA.
5) ATTEND THE HEARING
Are you in Toronto? Amnesty International, along with the Canadian Council for Refugees and the Canadian Council for Churches, is challenging the STCA in Federal Court. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 4-8 November 2019 at 180 Queen St W., and is open to the public. Join us at the hearing!
5) MAKE REFUGEE RIGHTS AN ELECTION ISSUE
Amnesty has included suspending the STCA as one of it’s Top 10 Election Asks.
Register now to join us in making refugee rights an election issue this October.
